Featured Destinations

Sumba Island Spa Safari

5 nights / 6 days on Sumba Island

Sumba is an island in Eastern Indonesia, some 400km away from Bali. Its distinct flora and fauna has led to the World Wildlife Fund categorising it as a designated ecozone. Being firmly off the major tourist trails Sumba has managed to avoid becoming a victim of its own success.

RASK Travel have selected the Nihiwatu hotel as our preffered destination on this remote tropical island. The hotel has been awarded the title of “Destination Hotel Resort of the 2015” from Asia Spa Magazine underlying its reputation for the ultimate place to indulge in a luxury spa experience.

Day 1 – Arrival

Arrive to Tambolaka Airport where you will be greeted by your driver who will kickstart your Sumbanese adventure with a 1.5hr drive from sea level right up to the Rijewa Mountains. Enjoy the luscious views of teak and mahogany plantations amongst dense tropical forestry.

As you approach your destination, Nihiwatu, gaze endlessly at the Wanokaka River Delta with its rice fields a local villages.

After arriving to the Nihiwatu hotel resort settle in to your fabulous Marangga villa where you will stay for 5 dreamy nights – complete with private garden, ocean views and private plunge pool. The spectacular Cliffside Bale elevated above the sea provides a little nook for daytime sun gazing or night-time star gazing. Equipped with a mosquito net, guests can even sleep under the stars on the daybed.

Day 2 – Nihi Oka Spa Safari

After experiencing the Nihi Oka Spa Safari you will quickly understand why Nihiwatu was voted the no.1 hotel in the world by T&L Magazine readers.

Nihi Oka Spa Safari is an exotic, non-traditional spa that promises excitement and adventure, encouraging guests to connect with nature and be spiritually free. The journey begins with an open-air land safari vehicle or invigorating 90-minute trek journeying across Sumba’s dramatic west coast to nearby Nihi Oka valley through the rolling hills and cultural villages.

Upon arrival, guests have the option to enjoy a bush-cooked meal in the rustic Nihi Oka treehouse platform. Breakfast includes freshly pressed juices and healthy cuisines. After breakfast, couples can relax in their own private bale with dedicated spa therapists providing any number of spa treatments from full body massage, cooling and rejuvenating wraps, body scrubs to foot reflexology using natural and local ingredients. In between treatments, guests can spend a day amongst white sands, coconut trees and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean or infinity freshwater pool.

Day 3 – Coconut Cove

Nihiwatu resort’s Coconut Cove is home to a surf school with divine seas and pristine white beaches. The smaller waves at Coconut Cove are ideal for beginners and families for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, body boarding and wake boarding. All equipment will be provided by the resort and guests can reach Coconut Cove by Nihiwatu’s Safari jeep or by boat. Alternatively, take a spearfishing or deep-sea fishing trip to catch some local fishes and enjoy the spectacle with the help of trained professionals.

Offering a reprieve from a full day of water activities, guests can recharge on a comfortable chaise lounge, enjoy drinks and snacks from the bar and refresh with a quick shower. Coconut Cove is also great for those wanting a day away to explore other and calmer bays at Rua, the name of the sleepy fishing village where it has planted its roots.

Day 4 – Wanukaka Valley

In the morning either trek or take a Jeep ride to the Wanukaka Valley arriving to a local village and then descending through a national park to be greeted by the wondereous blue lagoon at the base of the waterfall. Swim in this aquatic paradise, enjoy a picnic and feel a million-miles away from the stresses of daily life.

In the afternoon relax by the infinity pool and then spend the evening at Nihiwatu’s legendary boathouse – perfectly placed by the beach with panoramic views of the sea and spectacular sunsets. Each evening the nightly ritual of lighting the fire on the beach takes place accompanied by delicious cocktails.

Day 5 – Sandalwood Stables

Nihiwatu’s Sandalwood Stables work with experienced local guides to offer horse-riding lessons and tours for all levels – so why not spend the day riding horses with spectacular scenery in the backdrop?

Nihiwatu offers Horse Surfing, the ultimate “on the edge of wildness” unique experience where guests ride a wakeboard or body board towed by one of the sturdy Sumba horses along the beach.

For enjoying the picturesque scenery, the Sumba Sunset Beach Ride led by one of the local Sumbanese horseman or Bush to Beach Trail from hill tops to the ocean vistas is perfect way to complete your day.

Day 6 – Departure day

After breakfast a private car will transfer you back to Tambolaka Airport to take you to your onward destination.